The following sections outline suggested measures/activities for addressing each of the key issues identified through the assessment process on a project specific basis. These recommendations are based on the current status of the industry, best available knowledge regarding technology development pathways, regulatory concerns and the key environmental issues flagged up during the assessment process.

The following information is provided for each key issue in relation to a single deployment and a demonstration array:

Desk based studies

Baseline characterisation surveys

Further desk based studies

Monitoring during and post deployment

Objectives and recommendations are provided with regards to each suggested measure/activity.

This information should be used to facilitate early discussions between project developers and key stakeholders as part of each project specific Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The information contained in this appendix should be particularly useful for identifying and defining the following:

The scope of the preliminary desk based studies required

The baseline characterisation surveys that should be undertaken and under what circumstances each may be appropriate

Any detailed desk studies following baseline characterisation surveys

The monitoring measures that should be put in place during installation and operation and under what circumstances each measure may be appropriate

Please note that these recommendations are not prescriptive and should be viewed as a starting point for discussion. This will help to define the scope of project specific EIAs and environmental monitoring plans.

It is envisaged that this information will be specifically referred to during kick-off workshops between developers and key stakeholders in preparation for, during and following the submission of project Scoping Reports.

Recommended measures for all projects

There are a number of measures which should be undertaken at all times to ensure that valuable information is captured whenever possible. It is assumed in this appendix that these will be applied by all developers during site preparation work, installation, maintenance and decommissioning work:

Opportunistic marine mammal observations – these are observations made by the normal crews on vessels of wildlife, conditions and events whilst active in marine energy development areas. It is envisaged that simple recording sheets would be distributed to all workboats in such areas and that people commissioning work would encourage the vessels to record what they have observed. These records could help inform the baseline in an ES, monitoring information once operations and decommissioning plans. It is envisaged that the records would be copied to Marine Scotland or a designated agent. It is envisaged that crew members could attend a brief observation training session.

Opportunistic bird observations – same as for marine mammals but recording bird types, numbers and behaviour.

Maintenance of an operational log – within the observation recording sheet the type of works being undertaken and the prevailing conditions would be recorded.

Reporting of all incidents/significant events – these may include events associated with project vessels or other sea users in the area and may also include observations made by the public.

Data and information gathered during test deployments should be used to inform impact assessment work and licence applications as far as possible.

By applying these measures at all times, developers and subcontractors can gather a large body of information which will be valuable during future site development, environmental assessment and permitting work.